Exodus 36:8-13

The Making of the Dwellingplace (Exodus 36:8 to Exodus 38:20).

From this point on the chiastic framework is replaced by a straightforward delineation of the different work done on the Dwellingplace following distinct patterns as is required by the subject matter. Thus we have in Exodus 36 working outwards the making of the inner curtains (Exodus 36:8), then of the outer curtains of goat's hair (Exodus 36:14), then of the protective covering of skins (Exodus 36:19). Included is the working of the curtains, their dimensions, the coupling, the loops and the clasps (Exodus 36:8) in that order. This is then followed by the making of the frames, their dimensions and their sockets (Exodus 36:20); and then by the making of the bars, the Veil with its pillars and the outer screen with its pillars (Exodus 36:31).

In Exodus 37:1 to Exodus 38:8 we have, commencing in the Most Holy Place and moving outwards, the making of the Ark, the Mercy Seat (in the Most Holy Place); the Table for the showbread, the Lampstand, the Altar of incense; (all in the Holy Place); the anointing oil and incense (used in the Holy Place); the Altar of burnt offering and the Laver together with their method of transportation (in the courtyard). That is then followed by the making of the curtains and the gate of the courtyard (Exodus 38:9).

The Curtains of the Sanctuary (Exodus 36:8).

Exodus 36:8

‘And all the men of expertise among those who wrought the work made the Dwellingplace with ten curtains. Of fine twined linen, and bluey-violet, and purpley-red, and scarlet, with cherubim, the work of the artistic workman, Bezalel made them. The length of each curtain was eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains had one measure. And he coupled five curtains one to another: and the other five curtains he coupled one to another. And he made loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling: and he made them in the same way on the edge of the curtain that was outmost in the second coupling. He made fifty loops in the one curtain, and he made fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that was in the second coupling: the loops were opposite one another. And he made fifty clasps of gold, and coupled the curtains one to another with the clasps: so the Dwellingplace was one.'

The coupling together of the ten curtains to form the Sanctuary is now described, compare on Exodus 26:1. It is a reminder that the Dwellingplace needed the beautiful curtains, but it also need the couplings without which the curtains would have been useless. We cannot all be curtains, but we can all be couplings, both by prayer and witness and general and reliable support.